No images? Click here
Thursday 28 August 2025
Drought support available
Farmers can access financial assistance and support today to help manage during drought.
Our website provides information on available supports, including financial counselling, mental health and wellbeing services, and links to other organisations that can help.
You’ll also find practical tools, resources and information to help you plan and manage your feed, water and livestock needs.
Plus, find out about upcoming events in your region and online.
AgVic and VicPol working together for Victoria’s livestock producers
The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is Australia’s method for identifying and tracking of cattle, pigs, sheep and goats for disease control, food safety and market access purposes.
It uses an electronic ear tag or device, marking each animal with its own individual identification number.
Agriculture Victoria Livestock Traceability Manager Ben Fahy said all cattle, sheep, goats and pigs must be tagged with an NLIS-accredited tag, device or tattoo before leaving a property.
Jail time for animal cruelty charges
Mallee farmer Steven Ralston pleaded guilty to 14 charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, which included 9 charges of aggravated cruelty comprising of 128 animals, in the Bendigo Magistrates Court recently.
Mr Ralston was sentenced to a 6-month immediate term of imprisonment for the cruelty offences and further fined $10,000 for failing to comply with 3 notices issued by Agriculture Victoria officers.
At the time of offending, Steven Ralston was the owner and person in charge of approximately 2400 sheep located on properties in the Chinkapook region while living in Corack, approximately 120 kilometres away.
On-Farm Kangaroo Control Rebate
Farmers who have livestock competing with kangaroos for fodder can apply for the On-Farm Kangaroo Control Rebate now.
Eligible farmers across the state can access up to 3 rebates of $450 each (ex-GST) with a 25% co-contribution.
Rebates are to be used to engage professional harvesters (authorised by the Game Management Authority) to control eastern and western grey kangaroos under an Authority To Control Wildlife.
Click here for more information and to apply
For more information about drought support visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Ag Vic Talk season 10 - Farm Safety First: Tackling Fatigue, with Simon Craig
In this Farming Safe and Well episode, Simon Craig discusses the critical issue of fatigue in farming.
He shares his journey managing a broad-acre grain and sheep farm in Kulinong, Northwestern Victoria, and the steps he has taken to reduce fatigue related risks on his property.
Simon highlights the importance of recognising fatigue signs, implementing training sessions for seasonal workers, and creating a culture of safety and well-being.
By hiring additional staff and managing shifts effectively, Simon has seen increased productivity and a better work-life balance.
Listen now to learn how you can create a safer and more efficient farm.
Chemical residue exposure risk to stock
With the dry conditions and paddocks looking a bit bare, it’s only natural to start eyeing those unused corners of your property.
Perhaps it’s the area around the old shed, the house paddock that hasn’t seen stock in years or even that overgrown tree plantation.
Some might even be thinking about letting cattle into places like an old dip site or the farm rubbish tip.
Agriculture Victoria veterinary officer Dr Lydia Nicholson said before farmers swing open the gate, it’s worth taking a moment to consider what might be lurking in these spots and whether they’re really safe for grazing.
CMA Drought Employment Program
Farmers, farm workers and agricultural business employees impacted by the ongoing drought conditions in the south west can now apply to be part of the Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Drought Employment Program.
The Victorian Government funded program, delivered in the Corangamite and Glenelg Hopkins CMA regions, provides meaningful off-farm employment opportunities for people experiencing hardship because of dry conditions – either through reduced hours, profitability or loss of employment – to take on a role with their CMA over the next 12 months.
A total of $1M is available for the Catchment Management Authority-led Drought Employment Programs in the south west, where drought conditions have been the most severe over a long period of time.
The program will be available for farmers or farm-dependent workers from 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in south west Victoria including Ararat, Moyne, Colac Otway, Pyrenees, Corangamite, Southern Grampians, Glenelg, Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Warrnambool, City of Greater Geelong and southern parts of West Wimmera.
Eligible local farmers and farm workers can now express interest in being part of the program ahead of a recruitment process via www.ccma.vic.gov.au (Corangamite CMA region) or www.ghcma.vic.gov.au (Glenelg Hopkins CMA region).
Look Over the Farm Gate - event grants
The Look Over the Farm Gate grants help communities come together to promote social connection and support mental health and wellbeing during drought.
The program is coordinated by the National Centre for Farmer Health and is offering grants of up to $5,000 to help local organisations run events that bring together and support farmers, farming families and communities under stress.
To apply for a grant visit farmerhealth.org.au/look-over-the-farm-gate
For information about the Victorian Government’s drought support package visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Water quality testing during drought essential for food safety
Horticulture growers should take appropriate action to ensure that produce impacted by weather events or drought conditions is safe for consumption. Weather events can include dust storms, floods, strong winds or rainfall.
What's On
Details about these events and more can be found on our website.
Virtual drought smokos with Dr Jillian Kelly
Date and time: Tuesday 9 September from 9-10 am
FREE AND ONLINE
Drought smokos are an hour a fortnight to get away from the paddock and catch up with a group of farmers who are all in the same boat!
We will talk about the science of feeding, how much, which commodities, pros and cons, cost, different options, trigger points and planning.
Dr Jillian Kelly is a vet and nutritionist from Coonamble, in north-west NSW. She ran drought smokos every fortnight through the 2018–20 drought and it made a difference to hundreds of farmers and thousands of livestock.
While you don't get to taste her scones, you do get to learn all that she knows about feeding livestock in tough conditions, and to enjoy an hour of mateship away from the feed cart.
VFF Stock Sense: Goat diseases and nutrition webinar series
Date and time: Wednesday 3 September from 6 - 7:30 pm
Session 2 - Managing Victoria's most common goat diseases - identification, prevention and treatment with Berwyn Squire from Agriculture Victoria.
Perennial Pasture Systems annual conference
Date and time: Tuesday 9 September from 8 am - 5 pm
Where: Ararat Town Hall, corner of Barkly and Vincent Streets, Ararat.
The conference is titled “Taking Stock” and is focusing on where our region’s farms are at after a period of low sheep and wool prices followed by very dry conditions. PPS is also looking at the effect of the PPS project on farm resilience to help get through these tough times. PPS is also looking forward to seeing how members can position themselves to take advantage of changing circumstances in the foreseeable future.
Talk the Talk workshop - Cobden
Date and time: Wednesday 10 September from 10 am - 2 pm
Where: Cobden Football Netball Club, Parrott Street, Cobden.
Talking about mental health isn’t always easy—especially when you’re not sure what to say. If you’re a supplier or service provider working in a rural setting, you may have noticed when a customer or client isn’t themselves, but knowing how to start that conversation can feel overwhelming.
What you will learn:
- awareness – understanding mental health challenges in farming communities and who farmers are most likely to talk to
- observation – recognising signs that something isn’t right
- strategies and tools – how to have a conversation, what to say, and how to say it
- responding to crisis – what to do if the worst happens
- grief and loss cycle – understanding the emotional impact of crisis and change
- protective factors – practical ways to check in and offer support
Intro to lean and drought support business planning
Date and time: Wednesday 10 September from 12:30-2:30 pm
FREE AND ONLINE
Learn how to strengthen your operations, improve profitability, and drive long-term sustainability with expert insights from Moshie.
What you’ll gain:
- Introduction to lean business management and how it applies to your farm business
- Moshie’s tools for identifying waste and improving efficiency to increase profitability and resilience
- Simple business planning templates to identify areas for improvement
- Straightforward costing tools to improve decision-making and resource management
- Strategies for risk management, building drought resilience and long-term business sustainability
- 12 months of access to an exclusive online portal, with workshop resources
Also discover other relevant support programs, including:
- Drought one-on-one advisory service – discover how to sign up for free, personalised business planning support with Moshie’s expert team
- On-farm infrastructure grants
- Look Over the Farm Gate (mental health and wellbeing grants)
Who should attend:
- Turf, agriculture and horticulture business owners
- Farmers, growers and primary producers
- Retail and supply chain operators
- Anyone managing business costs and resources.
Hamilton - Farm Safety Day
Farm safe and strong - Practical tips for improving safety on the land
Date and time: Friday 3 October, 9 am - 1:30 pm
Location: Agriculture Victoria Hamilton SmartFarm, 915 Napier Road, Hamilton.
Join us for a hands-on event dedicated to improving safety and well-being in agriculture – and especially during challenging times. Through expert-led demonstrations and practical advice, attendees will learn safer methods for cattle handling including loading and unloading cattle, preventing Q fever and needle stick injuries.
Whether you’re managing or working on a family farm or a large property, or you are a student in agriculture, this event offers valuable insights and tools to protect your livelihood, your team, and yourself. Come away informed, connected and better equipped for a safer future on the land.
Contacting Agriculture Victoria
Call 136 186 from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call (except for mobiles and public telephones).
If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service at 133 677 or visit the National Relay Service.
All contact points can be found at: agriculture.vic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us
This newsletter is distributed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
Were you forwarded this email? Subscribe now.